On August 6th, it will be the 6th anniversary of the loss of Kendara Ballantyne, and a celebration of her and Missing and Murdered indigenous women and men will take place in the community.

The annual walk will start with a gathering behind the UCN at the site where Kendara was discovered at 5 pm. Opening remarks will be made before the walk begins at 5:30.

From there, they will head to the Kendara memorial underneath the Bignell Bridge before heading to Devon Park for a BBQ.

After the BBQ, the group will be replacing all the red ribbons along the bridge in support of MMIWG2S+ people everywhere.

Anyone with information about what happened to Kendara or any other MMIWG2S+ individual is encouraged to leave an anonymous tip online at manitobacrimestoppers.com.

As of Yesterday, authorities are monitoring two notable wildfires affecting communities in Manitoba, raising concerns for residents and air quality.

The first wildfire, located approximately 11.6 kilometres northeast of the R.M. of Kelsey boundary at Wanless, was detected on July 26th. The fire is expected to push southeast in the coming days. Officials have stated that there are currently no threats to the community of Wanless.

The second wildfire located northwest of Cormorant has prompted a mandatory evacuation order for the community, and crews and heavy equipment have been deployed in response. Residents have been advised to evacuate as a precautionary measure due to safety concerns.

Residents in Cranberry Portage may notice smoke from these active wildfires drifting in from nearby areas, particularly around the shores of Athapap.

The air quality in the region is expected to deteriorate as wind patterns carry smoke from ongoing fires in both Saskatchewan and Manitoba. An Air Quality Advisory remains in effect, with officials warning that visibility and smoke levels may fluctuate significantly, potentially affecting health. Community members are advised to limit outdoor activities, keep windows and doors closed, and utilize air conditioning units set to recirculation mode to minimize smoke exposure.

For those who spot wildfires, please use the dedicated hotline at 1-800-782-0076 to report the incidents. This number is specifically for wildfire reports and does not provide updates on wildfire status or information.

Residents are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions during this volatile fire season.

The Faculty of Kenanow, in collaboration with the Indigenous Initiatives and Reconciliation Team at UCN, is hosting an opportunity for Indigenous students.

The Land-Based Teaching & Learning for Sustainable Development course will empower participants by emphasizing Indigenous knowledge systems and cultural connections, facilitating personal and collective growth through land-based education.

With an application deadline set for August 1, 2025, the program is designed to fulfill a credit requirement and is exclusively available to full-time Indigenous students in good standing at UCN.

The course promises a comprehensive educational experience that blends traditional teachings with modern academic insight, culminating in a transformative journey on the land itself.

Expenses will be covered for eligible students.

Students are encouraged to submit a brief application that reflects on the significance of this opportunity to their personal and academic goals.

Applications can be sent to calc@ucn.ca. With limited spaces available on a first-come, first-served basis, interested individuals are urged to act quickly.

OCN’s First-Time Homebuyers Program will be wrapping up in a few days, and it is a fantastic opportunity for first-time homebuyers in the community to qualify for a $30,000 forgivable loan.

The funding can be used for expenses such as down payments, repairs, and legal fees incurred during the mortgage process.

Applicants must be first-time homebuyers, intend to occupy the home within one year of purchasing, and must reside within the OCN or 50 kilometres of the reserve.

Household income must total less than $120,000, and the grant is not available for homes that are currently owned.

The OCN will work to help by collaborating with banks, as a fully completed mortgage package from a bank is required.

The program is very limited, so please act fast by emailing the executive at opaskwayak dot ca.

The registration deadline is July 31st.

For OCN Band Members in need of IDs, an ID application clinic will be held this week, assisting individuals in obtaining Treaty Status Cards and CIS (Certificate of Indian Status) cards.

Applications will be available for new status cards.

The Clinic will be set up in the Otineka mall, next to the OCN payment center, from 9:00 to 4:00 pm, excluding the lunch hour, starting tomorrow and running on Wednesday and Thursday as well.

It is requested that you bring your long-form birth certificate. Parents will need to sign their children’s applications, and valid ID is also required, such as a driver’s licence, passport, government-issued ID, or a Manitoba health card.

For inquiries about the process or to obtain your ID, please contact Carolyn Cowley, Membership Technician, at 204-627-7119.

Ten individuals in Thomson were arrested following ongoing drug investigations.

Using remotely piloted drones, Thompson RCMP General Investigative Services executed a controlled Drugs and Substances Act Search warrant at a location on Brandon Crescent, seizing numerous drugs, weapons, cash, paraphernalia and cell phones.

Ten people, four female and six male, were arrested on the scene, and all were charged with various drug and firearms offences.

Thompson GIS investigations are ongoing.

Manitoba First Nations Police are requesting public assistance in locating William Alexander Buck, age 36.

During a traffic stop in the Opaskwayak Cree Nation on July 20th of last year, officers attempted to stop a vehicle that fled at a high rate of speed.

The vehicle was located a short time later, abandoned, and police dogs were brought in to find the suspect.

William Alexander Buck was then arrested and charged with various offences before being released with a scheduled court date.

To date, attempts to locate Buck have been unsuccessful, and MFNP is asking that anyone with information on his whereabouts contact the detachment in the OCN at 204-623-8200.

Anonymous tips can also be left by calling 1-833-978-0048.

Mark your calendars, because the Community Futures Cedar Lake Region is gearing up for its important Annual General Meeting! It's happening on Thursday, July 24^th at 9:30 a.m. at The Pas Regional Library in the Annex. This is your chance to hear directly about the vital work Community Futures is doing to support our local economy and foster growth right here in the tri-community and across the wider Cedar Lake region.

Community Futures Cedar Lake Region plays a crucial role in empowering local entrepreneurs and community projects. From assisting small businesses with development and financing to supporting initiatives that boost tourism and create jobs, their impact is felt throughout our communities.

And speaking of impact, there has been a lot happening recently:

In the Tri-community, we've seen fantastic energy with The Business Needs Assessment Survey and the actions taken as a result. For example, “Growing Connections”, the new tricommunity.ca website that is basically a “one-stop shop” for any information that you might need for the area. Another recent success was the Inaugural Children’s Business Fair held during the Chamber’s Trade Show. CF Cedar Lake also provided funding to community organizations through the Investing in Our Futures Grant Program, noting that between January 2022 and March 2025, CF Cedar Lake awarded over 147 thousand dollars in grant money to 36 projects in our region. Most recently, CF Cedar Lake has been involved in discussions regarding building a seniors’ housing co-op and assisting the steering committee. These grassroots efforts, often supported or inspired by organizations like Community Futures, are what keep our local economy vibrant and our spirits high.

The AGM is a fantastic opportunity to not only learn about Community Futures Cedar Lake Region’s achievements over the past year, but also to hear about their plans for the future. You’ll get to hear from their board and staff, and it’s a great chance to ask questions!

So once again, mark your calendars for the Community Futures Cedar Lake Region’s Annual General Meeting on Thursday, July 24^th at 9:30 am at The Pas Regional Library in the Annex. It’s an important gathering for anyone interested in the economic health and future prosperity of the communities that make up the rich and diverse Community Futures Cedar Lake region.

For more information, you can contact Community Futures Cedar Lake Region directly at 204-627-5450.

The OCN general assembly has been rescheduled and will now take place tomorrow afternoon from 1 to 5 pm at the OCN Veterans Hall.

It had been initially scheduled to take place in the evening.

Annual Reports will be made available regarding OCN Child and Family services, Education Services, Government services, Health Services, Infrastructure, Lands and natural development, and PBDC.

Baker Tilly will be providing the 2023-24 Audit Reports.

A Fish Fry will be held at 5 pm following the meeting, and all OCN members are encouraged to take part.

Charges have been laid following a homicide that took place in Swan River earlier this month.

Santana Genaille had been brought in previously, thought to be involved in the murder that took place in Sapotaweyak Cree Nation on July 10th.

RCMP Major Crime Service has now charged Genaille with second-degree murder of a 57-year-old man from Sapotaweyak Cree Nation.

Genaille has been remanded into custody.

Three individuals were arrested in The Pas last week in possession of various Drugs, and drug Paraphernalia, firearms, body armour and more.

In the early hours last Wednesday, RCMP in The Pas made the arrest following a traffic stop where the officer observed open liquor.

A search of the vehicle led to Drugs and Weapons being discovered.

As a result of the investigation, a residence located north of The Pas on Highway 10 was searched, leading to the discovery of several other illegal items.

RCMP has arrested all three individuals involved, and they have all been remanded in custody.

Two of the individuals were from The Pas, and one from the OCN.

RCMP investigations are ongoing.

Tomorrow morning, the Opasquia Trails is hosting its AGM and a BBQ at the boardwalk to highlight the need for board members and repairs to the boardwalk.

The Short AGM will start at 11 am with the BBQ to follow.

There is a current need for board members and funding to help repair the Grace Lake Board Walk, which was damaged during a late winter storm this year.

Alan McLauchlan, board member with the Opasquia Trails, said it was unfortunate because of the extended efforts to make the trail accessible to those with mobility issues over the winter.

Work to repair the boardwalk is already underway, but it remains blocked off, so everyone is asked not to move past the yellow tape that has been set up.

A Fishing Derby will be taking place tomorrow at the Riverside Park in the OCN and is open to everyone.

On-site tickets will cost you $30, and there will be a canteen on site along with a 50/50 taking place.

There are categories for the biggest pickerel, the biggest sturgeon, and the biggest other fish.

There will also be prizes for the most fish caught and the smallest fish.

The event will run from 1 to 5 pm.

There is a massive need for seniors housing in The Pas. The Northern Lights Seniors Housing Co-op is looking to change that.

The meeting took place with Riley Hawkeswood, Community Engagement Coordinator from Cooperatives First, to discuss opportunities and how to proceed.

There is a small steering group that includes Sandra Shapiro with the CF Cedar Lake region and Jonathan LaLonde, the town of Pas's economic development officer.

Regular meetings are also taking place with various senior groups and the town, as well as others looking for a location to move forward with the project.

Individuals interested in serving on the steering committee or seniors in need of housing are encouraged to contact the committee at 204-620-1757.

Bingos and wealth management workshops are happening this week courtesy of The Pas Friendship Center.

The wealth management course on Thursday will run from 10 am to noon and will discuss various settlements, with a focus on First Nations and budgeting.

The Friendship Center will also be hosting its AGM in the fall on September 17th, and they will be looking for new members to help service the group.

The first of four healthy living habits bingos is taking place this evening; unfortunately, it is already full.

The bingo has been moved to the Pas Regional Library due to evacuee services being provided at the Friendship Center.

You can contact Tamara at the Friendship Center to register for upcoming bingos; call the center at 627-7500 to learn more.

Tim Horton’s in The Pas will be setting up a mobile unit to serve the community this week, although, unfortunate timing has put the start date the same day as Camp Days, the annual fundraising event.

Last year, the program raised over $ 12.8 million for underprivileged kids.

While the main building is out of service, Tim Horton’s will be operating a mobile trailer where limited items will be available.

The drive-through will still be open, but customers will be directed to the mobile unit following the order process; a walk-up window will also be available.

Camp day bracelets are still available and can be purchased for 3 dollars apiece.

Parks Manitoba is hosting events at Clearwater Lake Provincial Park over the summer to help promote local tourism.

Guided hikes will run on Sundays from 10 am to noon, exploring one of the lake's most unique features: the caves.

This Saturday, from 7 to 8 pm at Campers Cove, there will be a campfire talk to celebrate and discuss the Manitoba Wildfire Service's efforts to tame fires in the north.

The following Saturday, the 19th, family programming featuring a presentation on the lake's ecosystem and creatures in the area will run from 2 to 4 pm at Pioneer Bay.

On Saturday, the 26th, a campfire talk will take place in the evening from 10 to 11 pm at Campers Cove, highlighting the constellations and the beauty of the night sky in Northern Manitoba.

All programs are free to attend and open to everyone; you can find more information at manitobaparks.com.

Representatives from Service Canada will be in The Pas next week, presenting several times.

Presentations will take place on Monday from 1 to 4 pm, and Tuesday from 9 am to noon and again from 1 to 4 pm at the OCN Employment and Training board room at 136 Waller Road in the OCN.

On Monday, they will focus on employment insurance and the Canada Job Bank.

On Tuesday morning, the theme will be the Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, and Guaranteed Income Supplements

Then, on Tuesday afternoon, discussions will look at the Canada Disability Benefit and the Canadian Dental Care Plan.

Sessions are free, and everyone is encouraged to take part to learn how you may qualify for various benefits.

A Flight from Thompson to Tadoule Lake had to be turned around on Monday due to a fight between passengers.

The fight broke out late on Monday afternoon when the plane was mid-flight.

When the plane was grounded it was met by officers who arrested them without further incident.

It was reported that the passengers were being combative and causing risk to the safety of the aircraft.

27-year-old Trayvon Mowatt was charged with endangering the safety of an aircraft, assault causing bodily harm, and uttering threats, he was remanded into custody.

A 29-year-old that was involved was searched and found to be in possession of a small quantity of drugs, he was released on an undertaking for a future court appearance.

Wear appropriate safety gear, inspect your vehicles, follow trail rules and guidelines, and ride with a buddy.

These are some of the most important things to remember when operating a dirt bike or off-road vehicle.

On Saturday, RCMP in Dauphin responded to a dirt bike collision in the RM of Dauphin and found a 15-year-old male in distress; he was transported to hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.

It was reported that the youth was not wearing a helmet when he collided with a deer and was thrown from the dirt bike.

If you plan to engage in off-roading during the summer, you are also encouraged to be aware of your surroundings and carry a basic first aid kit.

RCMP Investigations are ongoing.

Women's support groups are running at the Beatrice Wilson Health Center during the summer to provide emotional support for women in need.

Sessions will encourage personal reflection around identity and will explore culturally sensitive and trauma-informed parenting strategies.

 They will also cover topics like healthy relationships, self-awareness, and nutrition.

Topics will be adjusted to support the needs of the Group.

Sometimes, all you need is a group of like-minded individuals to help support you.

The sessions are being run by Dominique Logan, Alexis Yahnke, Kirsten Keeper, and Lillian Guay and are open to all women free of charge; walk-ins are welcome.

Sessions will be rooted in cultural safety to help empower women through shared learning, community support, and holistic healing.

Sessions run at the Beatrice Wilson Health Center on Mondays throughout the summer from 6 to 8 pm; the first session is this evening.

To learn more, please call Beatrice Wilson at 204-627-7410.

The Town of The Pas has been busy preparing for summer; speed changes in school zones, a summer busking program, and issues with the Winton Pools dehumidifier were all discussed.

There are also concerns that Asbestos may be present in several buildings in the community, including the Roy H. Johnston Arena, Kelsey Rec and Wellness Center, the Winton Pool, and more.

The town will allocate $ 30,000 to provide Asbestos surveys on all potential facilities, at which point there may be immediate work required.

During last week's citizen period, members of the fire department discussed wages, noting that many departments across the province have been experiencing considerable increases and that they would like the council to consider meeting the provincial average.

Councillor attendance was also addressed; Councillor Allen submitted an issue sheet regarding the formal requirements for councillors' attendance at regular meetings, noting that he would be open to changes that would see wage deductions for councillors who miss too many meetings.

The Town of the Pas is hoping to change the speed limit to 30 km near school zones before the start of the next school year.

At last week's council meeting, the engineering department presented information following a review of provincial regulations on school zone speeds.

The Next step will be creating a bylaw and applying to the province for that change.

Mayor Murphy said he supported the resolution but wasn't sure a reduced speed on Gordon Avenue was necessary; it was suggested that the application be adjusted to support this.

The by-law would only be in effect during school months and could still be amended after it's passed.

The Annual Clearwater Lake marathon is just around the corner, and registration is open now for the July 20th event.

The trails are being prepped and groomed for this year’s 1K, 3 K, 5K, 10 K, and half-marathon runs; 47 participants have already registered for the run.

Fundraising is being done to support the Pas Rotary Club and help with various community events and services.

Race kits will be available on the 19th, a day before the run, and can be picked up at the Clearwater Lake Airport Hall from noon to 3 p.m. These kits will include event details, maps, and a t-shirt.

The half marathon will start at 8:30 A.M. on the 20th at the Clearwater Lake Airport Hall.

There will be a pancake breakfast for all participants served ahead of the race.

You can find event posters around town and scan the QR code to register online, or you can go to raceroster.com and search for the Clearwater Lake event.