Ten of the 25 Dauphin area residents involved in the horrific crash at the intersection of Hwy. 5 and the Trans-Canada Highway remain in hospital, while the medical examiner’s office continues working to identify the remains of the 15 killed in the accident.

At a press conference, Friday, provincial health officials said the injured - six women and four men are being treated at hospitals in Winnipeg and Brandon for serious injuries. Six are in a critical care unit at the Health Sciences Centre, while the other four are being treated for serious injuries in a surgical care unit

“A number have received operations and more operations are planned, but these injuries are quite significant,” Dr. Shawn Young, chief operating officer of Health Sciences Centre, said.

While the families of those deceased have been notified by police, Manitoba’s chief medical examiner, Dr. John K. Younes, said fingerprints, dental records, surgical history and, if necessary, DNA will be used to confirm the identities.

“The worst possible outcome for us is to mistakenly identify someone and give wrong information to families, so we have to undertake a scientific means of identification of each of the deceased,” he said, adding the process should be complete later this week.

The accident occurred shortly before noon, June 15.

RCMP initially said the bus carrying 19 women and six men ranging in age from 58 to 88 years old was travelling south on Hwy. 5 en route to the Sandhills Casino in Carberry and was crossing the eastbound lanes of the Trans-Canada Highway when it was hit by a semi-trailer.

In an update Friday afternoon, police said they have obtained footage of the crash from a camera installed in the semi which shows the bus entering the lanes on Hwy. 1 without having the right of way.

“We are not assigning culpability or laying any blame at this time. We’re merely stating the facts as we know them,” Supt. Rob Lasson of the major crimes division said, adding witness accounts align with what RCMP saw in the video.

Lasson said the semi driver has been released from hospital and police have been able to interview him as they further their investigation. They have not yet spoken with the driver of the bus as he is still being treated in hospital.

“Our primary concern at this time is his medical care and recovery,” Lasson said.

He added police are doing what they can to support families of the victims through support centres in Dauphin and Winnipeg

“Each family will be presented with a direct RCMP contact that they can reach out to for support. We know this is of utmost importance,” Lasson said. “It is imperative that we all respect what the families are going through at this time. This is not easy.”

Opaskwayak Cree Nation’s (OCN) Madison Moore has made headlines when she announced she would be competing in this year’s Miss Universe Canada pageant. This isn’t Moore’s first time taking the stage and competing in a pageant; she has done work modelling for various events.
“I’m 21 years old and from OCN where I currently work as a youth support worker, and I have two beautiful twin nieces,” said Moore.“I did my first pageant when I was 14 years old, for Miss Teen Canada in 2016. I didn’t place, but I enjoyed the experience and meeting new people.

University College of the North is pleased to announce two new IT programs that will help to address the chronic shortage of skilled technicians in northern Manitoba.
UCN President, Doug Lauvstad said a new IT Support Technician and Technology Readiness Program will be delivered on The Pas Campus starting in the fall of 2023.
“We thank the Government of Manitoba for the new funding; skilled IT technicians are needed in every community and every sector of the north,” said Doug Lauvstad, UCN President.

In the largest Red River Métis event of all time, 4,000 Citizens gathered to unite in a historic vote to unanimously ratify the Red River Self-Government Treaty, which protects our governance rights in Canada’s constitution.
Our assemblies have always been crucial in Red River Métis collective and democratic decision-making and action-taking. The vote was part of the Manitoba Métis Federation’s (MMF) Extraordinary General Assembly (EGA) at the Assiniboia Downs on June 3-4. In addition to virtual participation, Citizens had the opportunity to vote from satellite locations in Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver, Thompson, The Pas, Dauphin, and Selkirk.
During his State of the Nation address, MMF President David Chartrand called the assembly a “day of reckoning” for our people.
“Let’s never forget that this country made a promise that they would settle a treaty with our great leader Louis Riel. That they would settle the treaty with your families, my families. They did not fulfill that promise,” said President Chartrand.

Emergency and enforcement services around the Swan Valley came together with their vehicles and equipment for EMS Day at the Swan River Centennial Arena, allowing Swan Valley students to explore the world of front-line services. Represented services included RCMP, municipal and provincial fire departments, emergency medical services, Manitoba Hydro and Manitoba Conservation.

The Swan Valley Student-led Genders and Sexuality Alliance Group held their second Swan Valley Pride Event on Saturday, (June. 10) with a great show of supporters attending the event.

The Dauphin Mavericks opened the Rugby Manitoba season with a pair of wins in Winnipeg, Saturday.

In the first game of a doubleheader, the Mavericks scored a 15-5 win over the Winnipeg Wasps, followed by a dominating 60-0 victory over the Winnipeg Assassins.

Mavericks player-coach Codi Harrigan said the team played well.

“They’ve been showing up for practice. We’re running our systems and we tries some guys in new spots this year and it went over really well,” he said.

The team began practicing in early May, getting 15 to 18 players out.

But the team had been running indoors throughout the winter, which has helped with their conditioning.

Harrigan said they went to Winnipeg with 17 players, giving them two substitutes to utilize, which worked out really well.

Opening with a pair of wins is big for the program, which is now in its second season of playing in the Rugby Manitoba’s M League.

“You always want to start off with a bang and I think that’s a really good start to the season. The guys are fired up, for sure,” Harrigan said.

The team, Harrigan said, came out strong and deserved the two wins.

“The Assassins came out in the second half with their Div. 1 team and we still shut them out and we still scored on them,” he said. “We still kept them at bay. We didn’t even let them into our zone to score. That just goes to show how well we’re working together as a team and everybody has taken to the system well.”

Working on their conditioning early was a key factor to the team’s strong start.

“The referee in our games was just surprised at how well that we’ve developed since last year. And he said that we could definitely be taking on some Div. 1 teams,” Harrigan said.

Rugby Manitoba moved to three divisions this year, with two premier divisions, as well as the M League in which the Mavericks play.

But in speaking with Patrick Ryan, executive director of Rugby Manitoba, Harrigan learned one team has potentially folded.

“So really, the schedule is still up in the air and he hopes to have that nailed down by the end of this week for us. We’ve had some dates changing and we’re really flying by the seat of our pants right now,” he said.

Mountain View School Division is celebrating the updating of its Violence Threat Risk Assessment (VTRA) and Intervention protocol.

“It’s a long title, but in short, it is looking at having the school division partner with community agencies to help make our community a safe place. So that when we have incidents of violence that occur anywhere in our community, we can activate this protocol. We can follow what is written within it and we can share information expeditiously,” MVSD superintendent and CEO Stephen Jaddock said at a signing ceremony last week.

“Oftentimes the faster that we can share information and not have to worry about cutting through some red tape, it’s going to be helpful and that’s what essentially this is all about.”

Originally developed in 2013, Jaddock said it was time to update the protocol to reflect the current environment and to welcome new signatories to the document.

Signatories of the original document included Child and Family Services, General Authority, Community and Youth Corrections, Cree Nation Child and Family Caring Agency, Dauphin at Risk Teens (DART), Michif Child and Family Services, Prairie Mountain Health, RCMP West District D Division and West Region Child and Family Services.

The City of Dauphin has been welcomed as a new signatory to the revised protocol and Jaddock said more partners will be welcomed as they present themselves.

“Our goal is to invite new community groups to level one violence threat risk assessment training with MVSD trainers to build a better understanding of the VTRA process and the necessity of a multi-disciplinary approach. As new community organizations train to a level one VTRA, they will be invited to sign the community protocol, because then they’ve been made aware of what it’s all about and then they can sign on knowing what they’re getting into,” he said.

“In terms of Mountain View School Division, we need to remember that we have seven communities, so we’re looking at partner agencies in each of those seven communities that we can bring on, as well as all those municipalities themselves signed on to this. The City of Dauphin is really the only municipality at this point, but we will continue to work to bring others.”

Jaddock said through the updated document, MVSD is recommitting its efforts to collaborate with community partners to make schools and communities safe.

The protocol supports collaborative planning among youth, families, schools and community agencies to reduce violence and to reflect safe, caring and restorative approaches. It fosters timely sharing of information about individuals who pose a risk for violence towards themselves or others while respecting an individual’s right to privacy to the fullest extent possible.

“In Mountain View School Division, where we would have youth at risk, (a threat) might originate in the schools and where a threat has occurred, then we need to proceed accordingly. And we have a protocol that says that every threat will be investigated and followed up on it, so there’s no fooling around, there’s no playing or (saying) it’s just a joke. We do need to investigate,” Jaddock said. “And if we do investigate and our preliminary steps do indicate that it is just a joke, then we don’t need to take it further, we don’t need to activate the full protocol. But when we find that, yes, there is a reasonable threat and it is not the normal activity of particular students, then we would raise it to a violence threat risk assessment and that our protocols would jump into place.”

Jaddock added there was recently a situation where the VTRA protocol was activated.

“We were able to share with our community partners in a very quick fashion. So there’s benefits to it and we are seeing that already,” he said.

Assiniboine Community College Parkland Campus celebrated the graduation of 67 students at a convocation ceremony, Friday afternoon in Credit Union Place.

Following opening remarks from Parkland Campus director Carol Stewart and greetings from ACC president Mark Frison, Assiniboine Alumni Association president Kayla Gillis of the Class of 2008, welcomed the graduates to the association.

Then Carla Prokopchuk and Praise Manoj Joseph, both graduates of the practical nursing program, gave the valedictory address.

Prokopchuk opened by congratulating all of the graduates.

“All that money spent, sleep lost, tears shed, emotional drainage and, maybe even some short tempers with family and friends . . . it was all worth it. We stand here together as a testament to the ambition and drive that each and every one of you has shown to reach this remarkable milestone,” she said. “Take a moment to bask in your achievements. You have worked tirelessly to get to this point and you should be incredibly proud of yourselves.”

While the graduates should take pride in their individual achievements, Prokopchuk reminded them that it was not a solo journey as there were many individuals who contributed to their success.

“And it’s important to acknowledge their contributions,” she added.

Joseph began his remarks by offering thanks to the nursing instructors - Gloria Campbell, Melanie Hawranik-Sobering and Cheryl Sorenson-Voight.

“Their wealth of knowledge, experience and patience has been a guiding light for all of us on this challenging journey,” he said. “From the very beginning, when we didn’t know where to insert a catheter, to successfully inserting our first IV in a real person with real blood, and experiencing that glorious flashback, they were there with us every step of the way. Their unwavering dedication and constant encouragement kept us motivated even when we felt discouraged.”

Prokopchuk then spoke about the debt of gratitude owed to “family, friends, support systems, therapists, life coaches and everyone who has stood by our side throughout this demanding educational experience.”

“You stuck with us even when we may have been a bit unbalanced and unbearable, living on limited sleep, fueled by copious amounts of caffeine, surrounded by mountains of books and papers, dealing with crashing laptops, anxiously waiting for loan money to come through,” she added. “And let’s not forget all those times we practiced our skills on you, take deep breaths as we assessed lung sounds, until you want to pass out, or nervously questioned whether we were hearing a heart murmur. You have been our pillars of strength and support and for that, we are forever grateful.” Joseph then took the time to recognize the achievements of their fellow graduates from the other programs offered at ACC Parkland Campus, stating they came together as a diverse group of individuals who have completed programs in Mature Student High School, STRIVE Succeeding in the Work World, Anishinaabe Financial Management, Human Resources, Medical Administration, Applied Counselling Skills, Comprehensive Health Care Aide and Applied Electrical Installation.

Prokopchuk pointed out each program has its own unique value and has made a significant impact on the college community, which they all worked hard to achieve.

“You will all make your mark in your chosen profession and paths, and I hope you do so with confidence and strength,” she added.

Joseph told the graduates to draw inspiration from those who came before them, quoting Florence Nightingale and Steven Jobs.

“Today, we join the ranks of those who have embraced their passions and committed themselves to making a difference,” he added.

The possibilities for their future careers are vast, Prokopchuk said. For some, graduation marks the first step towards establishing a career, while for others, it may be a continuation of a path long dreamed of.

“Whatever it may be, I have no doubt that you will all shine brilliantly in your respective fields. The countless hours we’ve dedicated to our studies have equipped us with the knowledge and skills to excel,” she said, adding the journey is not over as nursing, like many other disciplines, is always evolving, requiring lifelong learning and adapting to new challenges.

Noting the graduates have shown determination, a strong work ethic and the relentless pursuit of their goals, Joseph told the graduates they stand on the precipice of a new chapter in their lives.

“Let us carry forward the passion we hold to care for others. May our practical work reflect the compassion, skill and empathy that we have honed during our nursing education,” he said.

“Let us never forget the profound impact we can make through our actions.”

Prokopchuk encouraged all graduates to embark on their respective journeys with integrity, compassion and unwavering committment.

“By doing so, we will earn the respect of our peers and colleagues, making a positive impact in the industry of our choosing and beyond. Remember that success is not solely defined by the title we hold or the degrees we earn, but by the impact we make in the lives of others,” she said.

In closing, Joseph extended his heartfelt congratulations.

“This ia a significant achievement, one that will forever hold a special place in our lives. As we venture into the world beyond these college walls, let us cherish the bonds we’ve formed and the lessons we’ve learned,” he said.

“Remember that you have the power to make a difference, not just in your chosen profession, but in the lives of others.”

The Class of 2023 are:

Adult Learning and Upgrading Programs
Mature Student High School, Secondary Diploma - Caleb Diack, Ethan Dumas, Tyson Flesher, Kelsey Genaille, Cole Griffin, Catherine Lavallee, Andrew Little, Emily Ponask, Brayden Tomchuk-O’Neill and Keanu Woodhouse.

STRIVE Succeeding in the Work World, Document of Achievement - Logan Beasse, Holly Gugyelka and Lisa Young.

School of Business

Anishinaabe Financial Management, Advanced Diploma - Taylor Blackbird Thomas, Cayleen Mathews, Dianna Murphy, Rhonda Parenteau.

Human Resources Certificate - Brittany Anderson, Stephen Anderson, Adam Baptiste, Patricia Desjarlais, Adrienne Flatfoot, Chantel Flett, Lisa Hunter, Angela Spence, Barbara Sutherland and Gwendolen Traverse.

Medical Adminstration, Diploma - Jessalyn Baker, Rachelle Brass, Jamie Stanley and Chrissy Sutherland.

School of Health and Human Services

Applied Counselling Skills, Certificate - Amanda Beaulieu, Jolene Blackbird, Deidre Catcheway, Sarah Catcheway, Cynthia Dunn, Marla Malcolm, Myrna Malcolm, Stacy Maytwayashing.

School of Nursing

Comprehensive Health Care Aide, Certificate - Isabella Abraham, Dawson Dyck, Kylie Paterson and Candace Toderian.

Practical Nursing, Diploma - Abimbola Akinlotan, Taylor Bernat, Jasleen Brar, Grace Dadia, Sadie Erlendson, Brittany Hannah, Rachel King, Meghan Langevin, Erica Lavallee, Jenna Mahara, Kanwalnain Marahar, Beverly Palmer, Praise Manoj Joseph, Carla Prokopchuk, Cortney Quennelle, Megan Romanyshyn, Cheryl Serwa, Kali Thompson and Rhea Vandepoele.

School of Trades

Applied Electrical Installation, Certificate - Macy Buchannon, Tristan Lamirande, Leslie Sutherland and Brysen Thompson.